Doodle a Yankee: The July 4th Quiz

It’s time to show off your independence! And your patriotic knowledge about the Declaration of Independence, fireworks and hot dogs. Let’s hear it for more pomp and less circumstance!

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Question 1 of 20

Which notable statesman told his wife that July 2nd was going to be the biggest U.S. holiday ever?

Thomas Jefferson

John Adams

The leader of the American Revolution, John Adams, mistakenly thought that July 2nd was going to be the official Independence Day, but in reality that was simply the day the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence was formally adopted on July 4th. Rumor has it that Mr. Adams would turn down invitations to July 4th parties in protest.

Roger Sherman

Question 2 of 20

What year did July 4th become a paid holiday for federal employees?

1776

1870

1941

July 4th officially became a federal holiday in 1870, but it took more than 70 years for the U.S. government to grant their federal employees a paid day off. Maybe the 1870 paperwork got lost in processing.

Question 3 of 20

How many signers of the original Declaration of Independence died on July 4th?

0

2

Both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on July 4, 1826 -- the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

4

Question 4 of 20

What unusual way did revelers celebrate the birth of independence during the summer of 1776?

burning British flags

holding mock funerals for King George III

The very first Independence Day celebrations often included a fake funeral for King George III to signify the end of the British monarchy’s hold on the United States. Do you think that’s how deviled eggs became a popular funeral food AND a favorite Fourth of July picnic food? Hmmm.

dumping tea in Boston Harbor

Question 5 of 20

What is the section of the Declaration of Independence that mentions “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" called?

preamble

If you remember your elementary school days, you will recall having to memorize the Declaration of Independence preamble. The word preamble is just a fancy way of saying introduction, but this preamble is worth learning again so you can impress your pals at your Fourth of July party. Don’t forget to wear a powdered wig.

introduction

conclusion

Question 6 of 20

Who was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson

John Hancock

John Hancock was the first one to sign the famous document. Which is where we get the phrase “put your John Hancock right here” in reference to signing important papers.

Benjamin Franklin

Question 7 of 20

Which town hosts the oldest Fourth of July celebration in the United States?

Bristol, Rhode Island

The town of Bristol, R.I., has held their annual parade and celebration every year since 1785. Since they are pros at Independence Day parties, they go all out with an elegant Fourth of July ball, drum and bugle corps competition, concert series and a parade.

Washington, D.C.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Question 8 of 20

Name the July 4th beach celebration that honors all-American, farm-raised clams?

Clamerica

In Cedar Key, Fla., the Fourth of July celebration takes a fishy twist with a party that is all about clams -- and is aptly name Clamerica. So, if you are a real Clamerican, head down south to for a steamy good time.

Yankee Doodle Clammy

Declamation of Independence

Question 9 of 20

What percentage of retail fireworks sales occur during the Fourth of July holiday?

60 percent

75 percent

90 percent

According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, 90 percent of all retail sales are attributed to Independence Day business.

Question 10 of 20

What year did Congress first authorize fireworks for use in Independence Day celebrations?

1776

1777

They authorized it in 1777. They probably got tired of calling the police for all of those illegal fireworks displays in 1776.

1780

Question 11 of 20

Which U.S. President was born on July 4th?

Herbert Hoover

Quincy Adams

Calvin Coolidge

Calvin Coolidge is the only United States president born on the Fourth of July. Feel free to mention that fun fact at your Independence Day cookout.

Question 12 of 20

What’s the name of the Vietnam veteran who’s story was featured in the movie “Born on the Fourth of July"?

Ron Kovic

The character of Ron Kovic was played by Tom Cruise in the movie, which honors Ron’s work as an anti-war and pro-human rights political activist.

Captain Steven Hiller

Lieutenant Dan Taylor

Question 13 of 20

What actor in “Born on the Fourth of July” was actually born on July 3rd?

Tom Berenger

Stephen Baldwin

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise was born on July 3, 1962.

Question 14 of 20

Which July 4th-themed movie holds the record for the using the most miniature models?

“Independence Day”

“Independence Day” holds this record, and it’s believed that this movie contains more miniatures than any other two films combined. So, look closely next time you watch it.

“Saving Private Ryan”

“The Patriot”

Question 15 of 20

Which patriotic song was originally created to mock American soldiers?

“Yankee Doodle Dandy”

“Yankee Doodle Dandy” was made up by British soldiers to make fun of Americans. They joked that Americans thought they could put a feather in their coonskin cap and be as fancy as English royalty. The American boys turned the tables and adopted the song as their own to show pride in their country -- and they eventually won independence from Great Britain. Who’s laughing now?

“This Land Is Your Land”

“Stars and Stripes Forever”

Question 16 of 20

What was Uncle Sam’s occupation?

soldier

iron worker

meat packer

Uncle Sam was a meat packer who supplied barrels of beef to the U.S. Army during the War of 1812. He stamped the barrels with a U.S. for United States, but the Army boys joked that it stood for Uncle Sam. Eventually this became a nickname for the U.S. government.

Question 17 of 20

How many U.S. towns are named Freedom?

2

5

There are five towns called Freedom. The largest is in California and has 6,000 residents. Liberty and Independence are more popular names with 30 and 11 cities that include these words, respectively.

11

Question 18 of 20

What is the United States' national anthem?

“The Star-Spangled Banner”

“The Star-Spangled Banner” was written by Frances Scott Key, and was recognized for official use by the Navy in 1889. But it wasn’t until 1931 that it became the national anthem, thanks to a resolution by Congress.

“America the Beautiful”

“You’re a Grand Old Flag”

Question 19 of 20

What popular food is honored in the U.S. with an entire month of celebration every July?

hot dogs

ice cream

July is National Ice Cream Month! In 1984, President Ronald Reagan made this declaration. He also decreed that the third Sunday in July is National Ice Cream Day.

watermelon

Question 20 of 20

What food is consumed at one of the most popular eating contests in America on July 4th?

apple pie

hamburgers

hot dogs

Nathan’s Famous hosts the July 4th International Hot Dog Eating Contest every year at its flagship store in Coney Island, N.Y. More than 40,000 fans come to watch this spectacular eating event -- it’s even broadcast on ESPN. Now that’s an all-American celebration!